WordGarden.ionurture
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɜːtʃə/
US
- /ˈnɜrtʃər/
Meanings
Verb
to care for and encourage the growth of a person, animal, or plant
to encourage or develop an idea, skill, relationship, or feeling over time
Noun
care and encouragement that help someone grow or develop
the influence of upbringing or environment on development
Beyond the definition
Just like a gardener tends delicate seedlings, nurturing means caring for someone or something so they can grow and do well. It's more than just meeting basic needs; it's about helping growth happen, whether that's a child learning to walk, a talent beginning to shine, or even an idea taking shape. You nurture a friendship by being supportive and present, and you nurture your body with healthy food and exercise.
Think of a mother bird carefully feeding her chicks—that's nurturing in action! The word suggests warmth, patience, and a dedication to helping something reach its full potential. It's often used when talking about emotional or intellectual growth, but it can apply to physical development too. "The teacher nurtured a love of reading in her students."
To nurture means to care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something. It goes beyond simply providing necessities; it involves actively fostering potential and creating an environment where things can flourish.
Originally, nurture was closely tied to the idea of physical nourishment—like a mother nursing her baby. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. You nurture a child by offering love, guidance, and support; you nurture a skill by practicing it diligently; and you nurture an idea by exploring it thoughtfully.
The word often implies a gentle, patient approach. It's not about forcing growth but rather creating the conditions where it can happen naturally. For example: "A supportive community is essential to nurture creativity," or "She nurtured her ailing father back to health."
Nurture also has an interesting connection to the "nature vs. nurture" debate—a long-standing discussion about whether our traits are determined by genetics (nature) or upbringing and environment (nurture). In this context, nurture refers to the influence of external factors on development.
So, whether you're tending to a garden, raising a family, or cultivating your own talents, nurture is about providing the care and support needed for growth, flourishing, and reaching full potential. It's an active process of fostering well-being and helping something thrive.
Examples
- 1
Gardening
She nurtured the young plants until they were strong enough to survive outside.
- 2
Childhood interests
His parents nurtured his love of music from an early age.
- 3
Talent development
The coach knows how to nurture young talent without putting too much pressure on it.
- 4
Trust
Trust is easier to lose than to nurture.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace culture
The company wants to nurture a culture where people can share new ideas.
- 6
Personal ambition
For years, she quietly nurtured a dream of opening her own bakery.
- 7
Human development
The article looks at the old debate about nature and nurture.
- Phrasenature and nurture
the qualities you are born with and the care and experiences that shape you
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nurturenounverb
Forms
- nurturing-ing formverbnoun
- nurturedpast tenseverbnoun
- nurturesverbnoun